New Portable Media Centers to rival video iPod

I checked out a couple of Portable Media Center devices last year and there were a couple of issues–low resolution, high price, no SD/CF slot for photo collection–that kept me from personally buying one. Bill Gates announced a new version of the Windows Mobile Portable Media Center software and three new devices from Toshiba, Tatung, and LG Electronics. The Toshiba S Series gigabeat PMC looks like a direct competitor to the video iPod, and is the one that I may be getting for my birthday in March when it is released. The 30 GB model will start at US$299, which is much more affordable than the $500+ of the first generation players. Microsoft also announced a new content provider to help with the PMC experience with Vongo and Starz Entertainment serving up movies on a purchase or subscription basis. $9.99 per month for an unlimited movie experience sounds pretty good to me. Check out the Microsoft press release for more information.

USER COMMENTS 10 comment(s)

flash drive is the wave of the future(10:22am EST Thu Jan 05 2006)get rid of the HD. – by shake it

Sound Quality is paramount(10:23am EST Thu Jan 05 2006)I hope the Sound Quality is good as iAudio x5 or Rio Karma. Otherwise features do not matter. Bcos fundamentally we may use it as DAP unless its too big to be used as one. – by iaudiophile

WHY?(12:25pm EST Thu Jan 05 2006)WHY oh WHY would you get the gigabeat instead of the 30 GB iPod esp. if they are the same price. Makes no sense. unless you are trying to purposely go for the underdog. EXPLAIN YOURSELF!!! – by MINI VANILLI

OK(12:28pm EST Thu Jan 05 2006)OK i just checked the gigabeat website. nice looking site, horrible looking player. why would you want to walk around with one of the fugly looking things. there is something to be said for nice design you know………. – by MINI VANILLI

mini vannilli(9:20pm EST Thu Jan 05 2006)maybe it has longer than a 2hr battery life when playing video? – by stupd q

Lex to Mini Vanilli(10:07pm EST Thu Jan 05 2006)Lex “Wow you carrying a load in them trousers like me. Girls must love ya.”

Mini ” No that just my battery for my video player so I can watch more porn on and your 4 hour collection on my portable player” – by Lex

Yawner(11:01pm EST Thu Jan 05 2006)At least they have stopped calling every new product an ipod killer. LOL. The public eagerly awaits the ease of use and security of the latest microsoft offerings. LOL. – by guy : )